Intellectual Property Legal Administrative Assistant, St. Louis, MO

Stinson Leonard Street LLP seeks an experienced intellectual property Legal Administrative Assistant to join the firm's St. Louis, MO office that will support patent prosecution. The LAA is responsible for producing a variety of work product related to the attorney/client interaction. Work product includes, but is not limited to, the production of documents; the management of time entry; coordination and facilitation of travel plans, meetings, electronic and face-to-face communications; handling of incoming and outgoing mail and other correspondence; expense entry; and file maintenance. The LAA must be able to work effectively with a variety of law firm members, including numerous lawyers, paralegals, and staff members. In all situations, it is expected that the LAA will maintain the highest levels of respect, confidentiality and professionalism in the execution of the responsibilities.

This position reports to the Office Manager; on a day to day basis, works under the direction of the attorneys and paralegals to whom the Legal Administrative Assistant (LAA) is assigned. There is no direct supervisory responsibility associated with this position.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High School degree or equivalent; college or business school desirable.

Strong computer skills required with Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel, as well as with file document management tools such as FileSite or WorkSite; PowerPoint experience is preferred.

Patent prosecution experience required.

Understanding of all rules, practices, and procedures of the US PTO and EFS-web filings with the US PTO.

Experience with USPTO Pair database and office action responses.

POSITION COMPETENCIES

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Self-motivated with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Highly professional with a strong customer service orientation, commitment to meeting deadlines, and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Strong professional, independent thinking skills with strength in problem solving and the ability to offer constructive opinions and creative solutions.

A team player who motivates and educates other team members.

Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the position.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Patent Work: Responsible for both foreign and domestic patent application preparation, prosecution, and filing. Preparation and filing of PCT applications, continuing applications, and IDS. Preparing formal documents such as declarations/powers of attorney and assignments. Obtaining cited art and inventor information.

Prepares Documents: Responsible for typing and modifying legal documents accurately and within requested timeframes for assigned legal group, prioritizing work among assignments and meeting specific deadlines on projects. Coordinates lengthy and complex document preparation with Work Product Support Services as needed. Prepares documents for e-filing as required.

Processes Mail: Reviews and routes incoming mail. Prepares and processes outgoing mail and faxes, arranging for specialized mail or messenger services as required. Ensures that all attachments, exhibits and enclosures are included.

Maintains Files: Maintains paper and electronic files in compliance with current policies. Works with Records Department to create and maintain client files and indexes. Marks case or matter related documents as needed with filing instructions to ensure proper filing. Performs routine filing and retrieves files as needed. Maintains chronological files and administrative files for assigned attorneys.

Provides Administrative Support: Prepares and processes new matter forms. Receives and screens phone calls and takes messages as required. Receives and directs clients and visitors. Coordinates travel arrangements, prepares itineraries, and prepares travel expense reports. Schedules meetings and arranges for conference rooms and meals. Maintains and updates contact names and addresses in the contact database. Communicates effectively with clients and with others in the Firm. Is proactive in anticipating the business needs of the assigned attorneys; plans ahead and meets deadlines.

Cooperates with Team Efforts: Proactively demonstrates effective teamwork and provides assistance to other LAAs as time permits. Serves as a backup LAA to assigned timekeepers. Works cooperatively with other departments and individuals in the Firm.

Applicants with a disability that are in need of an accommodation to complete the Stinson Leonard Street application process should contact Human Resources at 316.268.7962 or email Talent@stinson.com.

Stinson Leonard Street is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, disabled and other diverse candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package.